Celebrated African music icon 2baba Idibia will headline a star-studded lineup of artists and global music industry leaders at the AFRIMA 2025 Music Conference. The event, organized by the African Union Commission and the International Committee of the All-Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), will take place from May 13 to 14, 2025, at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Joining 2baba on the panels are South African superstar Makhadzi; Kenyan sensation Nikita Kering; Ugandan multiple-award winner and music executive Eddy Kenzo; Ghanaian international pop star and 2018 AFRIMA Best Reggae/Ragga Artist Stonebwoy; Ethiopian record label founder Bien Mekonnen; AFRIMA’s Regional Director Mike Strano; and UK-based Leo Fakhrul, founder of Mamba Sounds, among others.
The conference will focus on the theme “Music Beyond Borders,” featuring sessions such as “Borderless Beats: The Future of African Music in a Globalised World” and “Unlocking and Monetising Africa’s Music Economy.” Industry experts will discuss strategies to grow and sustain Africa’s creative sector, exploring how African sounds are resonating globally and how to build a sustainable creative economy.
AFRIMA’s Country Director in Ethiopia, Eyob Alemayehu, described the event as a pivotal moment for Africa’s creative industry, emphasizing the importance of bringing together respected voices and leaders to chart the future of African music.
The first day will conclude with an exclusive AFRIMA Dinner and Social Networking Event, featuring AU officials, renowned artists, and key industry stakeholders. On the second day, delegates will enjoy cultural tours of Addis Ababa, visiting historic landmarks and art centers to experience Ethiopia’s rich heritage.
The event will also unveil the official AFRIMA 2025 calendar and announce the host city for the awards, marking the start of another exciting edition celebrating Africa’s music and culture. The launch signals Africa’s commitment to elevating its creative industries and uniting the continent and diaspora in a shared celebration of music.
